Parenting Tips for Your 47-48 Month Old Child
Just because a sports’ organization allows four year olds to play, it does not mean that a four year old is ready to play sports. Your child’s age is not necessarily the magic number. Ask yourself:
- Is my child physically ready to play the sport? Does my child have the physical strength to complete a whole game? Does he have the skills needed to play the game (for example, catch a ball)?
- Is my child emotionally ready to play the sport? Can he handle losing a game or making a “bad” play?
Teach your child that learning new skills, having fun, and spending time with friends is what is important in playing sports. Let him understand that you are proud of him for being physically active, learning to be a team player, and showing “heart” or empathy with people he plays with.
To help your child enjoy formal physical activity or sports:
- Create an environment that promotes fun above all else
- Encourage all effort
- Play games that let everyone “win” like no-score games
- Plan activities that allow children to problem-solve.
- Plan activities that promote teamwork (for example, how can we build the longest line with our bodies).
- Take time to talk to your child about wanting to play a sport. Soccer is often the first sport played by older four year olds. Make sure to give him a choice
Whether competition has a positive or negative effect on young children depends largely on how adults handle it. For example, do you yell at your child or show frustration when he misses the ball or falls as he runs the bases? Do you encourage him to learn from his mistakes and help him see the positive plays he has made? Try to let your child know that he is successful whether or not his team was the “winner”.
